WHERE THERE’S A WILL, THERE’S A BOOK
Where do playwrights get their inspiration? Brava to Lauren Gunderson, who took hers from actual historical events and created a believable backstory with characters to support it.
Malcolm Rodgers (John Hemminges) and Fred Pitts (Henry Condell)
Three years after William Shakespeare’s passing in 1616, the Globe Theatre had burned down and the Bard’s plays were being appropriated by bad actors. Manuscripts were lost or segmented. Copyright laws hadn’t been enacted, and plagiarism was easy and profitable. Three friends of the Bard – all loyal actors – discussed the idea of gathering Shakespeare’s many scripts to compile them in a printed book. Thus they could honor and immortalize the true words of their friend.
Fred Pitts (Henry Condell) and Kelly Rinehart (Emilia)
What follows is their winding and obstacle-riddled challenge to accomplish that goal. Ross Valley Players vibrantly brings their saga to life on a multi-phase London stage designed by Ron Krempetz and constructed by Michael Walraven.
Sean Mireles Boulton (Isaac Jaggard) and Jannely Calmell (Alice Hemminges)
Director Mary Ann Rodgers shepherded a large cast of talented actors, many in multiple roles, and all in splendid costumes designed by Valera Coble. Program notes acknowledge thanks to Marin Shakespeare Company, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and Santa Rosa’s 6th Street Playhouse, whose costumes undoubtedly added authentic touches to this production.
Marty Pistone (Richard Burbage)
The Bard’s close friends, enacted by Fred Pitts, Malcolm Rodgers, and Marty Pistone, discuss the hurdles to collect the writings, and the costs to publish, collaborating with the clever barmaid Alice, played by Jannely Calmell. Historical figure Ben Jonson, channeled by Michael-Paul Thomsett, is persuaded to write the book’s introduction for the works of his now-deceased rival.
Kelly Rinehart (Elizabeth Condell)
The action from pub to private spaces to printing shop unfolds quite rapidly, keeping this production stimulating and engaging. Actors variously enter from the back of the house, wrapping the audience into the scenes. There are many touches which add to the show’s total enjoyment including a sweet funeral dirge, written for this show by Billie Cox and plaintively sung by Cathleen Ridley.
Cathleen Riddley (Rebecca Hemminges)
A superbly imagined final scene is a highlight of Gunderson’s creativity and cleverly wraps up Shakespeare’s legacy. At the finale, the entire cast steps lively in a jig to bring down the house. All in all, this is a delightfully delivered production that Shakespeare would have proudly called his own.
Michael-Paul Thomsett (Ben Jonson)
photos by Robin Jackson
Kelly Rinehart (Elizabeth Condell) and Fred Pitts (Henry Condell)
The Book of Will
Ross Valley Players
The Barn Theater, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in Ross
Thurs-Sat at 7:30; Sun at 2ends on June 8, 2025
for tickets, ($21.60-$37.80) call 415.456.9555 visit Ross Valley Players
###
Cari Lynn Pace is a voting member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle.
